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Star of the South Offshore wind energy project in Gippsland must focus on local jobs says Darren Chester

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says local landholders need to be respected and local jobs have to be a priority, following the formal declaration of Australia's first development zone for offshore wind energy.

By news@gippsland - 20th December 2022 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said he remained a supporter of a 'balanced and sensible approach to renewable energy' with the Bass Strait region identified as having great potential to meet some of Australia's future energy needs. "I supported legislation introduced by the previous Coalition government to provide a regulatory framework for all phases of offshore energy generation and transmission projects."

It's important that issues surrounding transmission lines through private property to link large scale renewable projects to the national grid are handled sensitively and transparently

Boost the reliability of energy sector

Mr Chester said, "Today's announcement is the next step in the process and I want to see detailed and respectful community consultation around transmission lines across private property, along with a commitment to long-term local jobs."

"If the Gippsland coast is going to be used for these projects, we will want to see local job opportunities. These projects have the potential to boost the reliability of our energy sector and create local jobs through construction, development and ongoing operational requirements."

"As we look to diversify our energy base, we must ensure the legislation also protects existing users like commercial and recreational fishing, and also allows projects to proceed if they are in the national interest." Mr Chester said.

Dependence on renewable sources

Mr Chester also said, "We know there's a transition underway, in the sense that there will be a greater dependence on renewable sources into the future, and projects like the Star of the South have enormous potential to help fill that gap in the energy market in the future."

"We don't want to see a premature closure of existing coal-fired power stations in the Latrobe Valley because it would increase energy costs for families and businesses, and reduce the reliability of supply." Mr Chester concluded.

Pictures from Darren Chester Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com